Travel Tools and Tips
Safe Travel and Tips

Safe Travel & Tips

While Australia is considered to be a very safe country, it is still wise to avoid dangerous situations. Here are some health and safety tips to ensure you have an enjoyable, trouble-free holiday on Western Australia’s Rottnest Island.

Think smartWhen exploring Rottnest Island, keep to trails, stay away from cliff edges and beware of snakes in terrestrial areas. It's always smart to carry a comprehensive first aid kit and in the case of an emergency, dial 000 for assistance.

Pick up an Island Guide
Our Island Guide has everything you need to know about the Island, including a full list of tours and activities, bus schedules and a map with suggested cycle paths and Wadjemup Walk Trail routes. Pick up a copy from the Visitor Centre upon arrival so that you can keep a full guide to the Island in your pocket as you explore the Island's beauty.

Pet restrictions and assistance dogsRottnest Island is an ‘A’ Class Reserve and domestic pets (including dogs) are not permitted on the Island or in its waters. Persons in contravention of this regulation will be penalised and required to remove the pet immediately, at their own expense.

If there is a genuine medical requirement to bring an animal with you such as a guide, assistance or companion dog this is acceptable, however please contact the Rangers prior to arrival on (08) 9372 9788.

Prescriptions and scriptsThere is currently no pharmacy available on Rottnest Island. Visitors are reminded to bring adequate supplies of essential prescription medications and a small first aid kit. Non-prescription medicines are available at the General Store. For injuries, please visit the Nursing Post in the Thomson Bay.

Carry sufficient waterAlways carry adequate supplies of water. Once outside of the Thomson Bay Main Settlement there is limited access to drinking water. Drink water refill points can be found within the Thomson Bay settlement and at the Army Jetty, Kingstown Barracks, The Basin, Vlamingh Lookout and Geordie Bay.

Bushfire safetyThe hot and dry conditions in Western Australia mean there is a risk of bushfires on Rottnest Island. As an A-Class Nature Reserve the lighting of fires is prohibited and can be extremely dangerous. Care should be taken at all times and campfires are prohibited on the Island. Please help us protect our natural environment and follow the fire warnings. Safety information is available from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), visit for more details.

Electric bicycle restrictions
Electric bicycles are permitted on Rottnest Island in accordance with the requirements of the Road Traffic Code 2000. If you wish to bring an electric bicycle to the Island, please ensure that it is compliant.To be compliant, electric bicycles must have a maximum power output of 200 watts and not be ridden by persons under 16 years. Penalties can be imposed for non-compliance.

Slip, slop, slapTravellers should always wear a wide brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, sunglasses and at least an SPF 15+ sunscreen when outdoors. It is also recommended that you drink at least two litres of water each day. Take extra care when outdoors between 10:00am and 3:00pm, when UV radiation is most intense. Seek shade to protect your skin from skin cancer and other sun damage.

Safety at the Beach

Always swim under supervision, or with a friend

Read and obey the signs

If you are unsure of conditions, don't swim

Don't swim directly after a meal

Don't swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Don't run and dive in the water

Conditions change regularly; check before you enter the water

If you get into trouble in the water, don't panic - signal for help, float and wait for assistance

Float with a rip current or undertow, do not try to swim against it

Swim between the red and yellow flags - these show the supervised area of the beach, that a lifesaving service is operating. If there are no red and yellow flags, you should not go swimming